Top 3 Reasons For Sleazy Politics

Sleazy politics seems to be the name of the game these days. The latest example is the arrest of Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. Rod had the audacity to involve his chief of staff in a rouse to put the Illinois Senate seat recently vacated by president-elect Barack Obama.

Before we go on we need to understand the definition of sleazy. Sleazy is defined as morally degraded; "a seedy district"; "the seamy side of life"; "sleazy character". Other definitions include dishonest or corrupt; disreputable.

Sleazy politics occur at all levels of government - and seems to peak at the highest levels of elected office.


Why do we continue to see this behavior in our politicians? Here are three reasons:



Power


Political scientists have frequently defined power as "the ability to influence the behaviour of others" with or without resistance. It seems that all politicians have an innate mentally to control their circumstances.


But there are those that abuse that power for personal gain and for even just an adrenaline rush. In addition, having the ability to affect executive, judicial and even legislative actions may give them a feeling of omnipotence.



Money


This is an obvious reason that politicians are considered sleazy. Some politicans abuse their position in an attempt to enrich their lives via bribes.
In defense of most politicans, it must be difficult to refuse money and bribes from lobbyist, organized crime, other politicians, financial companies and private sector interests. But to take a risk knowing that the world and media are in your face, is just amazing.



Ego


It seems impossible to be a politican without having a huge ego. It is common place for politicans to lose a political fight and hold grudges. Those with super big egos may seek revenge at any cost.
With all this being said, politicians are a microcosm of the population and the media focuses on those in office. You can be sure that sleaze bleeds into the private sector as well - it's just that the media focuses on our public officials. And that should continue.



Politicians are elected to represent our interests - not their own!